What Are the Treatments for Acid Reflux in Children?
Acid reflux affects approximately 7 million children in the United States, according to the Pediatric and Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association. While most babies grow out of it, some continue to suffer discomfort. Treatment is available to help control acid reflux in these cases. Controlling the acid reflux is key to preventing long-term damage. • Identification • Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, can be difficult to diagnose in babies and younger children. Some common symptoms, however, include pain, irritability, constant or sudden crying often referred to as colic, frequent spitting up or vomiting, vomiting or spitting up more than one hour after eating, not outgrowing the spitting-up stage, refusing food or accepting only a few bites even though hungry, poor sleep habits, frequent waking, “wet burp” or “wet hiccup” sounds and bad breath. Older children may also complain of a burning sensation in their chest, a sore throat or a continuous upset sto
